Canada, U.S. slowly addressing chemical pollution in Great Lakes

American and Canadian governments have been slow to address chemical pollution in the Great Lakes, according to the International Joint Commission (IJC).

The commission wants governments on both sides of the border to follow the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and speed up the process of identifying chemicals of mutual concern.

"It's important to note that the governments are beginning this process and this is a new agreement," said MichaelMezzacapo, University of Michigan Sea Grant Fellow. "It does take a little bit of time for things to ramp up and really stop spinning their wheels and eventually they're going to get some traction."

However, Mezzacapo,who works in the commission's Windsor headquarters, does say there is a bit of progress being made.

You only have to looktowardthe past to understand why it's important to address these items now.- MichaelMezzacapo, International Joint Commission

"You only have to looktowardthe past to understand why it's important to address these items now and why we should be concerned," saidMezzacapo.

"Because it's important to get a handle on especially the new and emerging chemicals like these flame retardants because we're not really sure what the overall impact will be," he said.

The IJC is responsible for regulating shared water uses between Canada and the U.S., as well asinvestigating transboundary issues and recommending solutions. Pollution levels in the Great Lakes have been dramatically reduced over the past 40 years.

Chemicals in fish decreasing

Another "wonderful trend" across the Great Lakes is the decreasing concentration of PCBs in fish tissue, which is a chemical calledpolychlorinatedbiphenyls.

It's not just the governmentthat is responsible for the Greak Lakes. Everyone has a part to play in making sure the waterways are clean, Mezzacapo said.

Use cinnamon instead of pesticides

He recommends individualshelp by taking care with the products they use on their lawns and gardens. Finding natural alternatives to pesticides or herbicides can also help.

"Instead of using a pesticide, you can use cinnamonto retract ants from your kitchen countertop," Mezzacapo.